Aging and Life Enhancement
By Kathryn Kilpatrick, M.A.
“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” ~John Muir
Spending time in nature, not only in green spaces but blue spaces (aquatic environments), has many possible benefits for human well-being, according to current research.
There is mounting evidence that it has more than the obvious physical aspects but also numerous psychological benefits. It may help to reduce stress hormones as well as anxiety and can also be a mood booster.
“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” ~Rachel Carlson
In Japan, there is a term called “forest bathing” that refers to the practice of immersing yourself in nature while using all of one’s senses. By taking in the smells, listening to the sounds and being fully present, there can be the benefits of better mental health, happiness and reduced anxiety and stress. Rather than exercising or hiking, it focuses on slowing you down and mindfully engaging your five senses.
Do your current day-to-day patterns keep you spending too much time with your digital screens, thus spending too much time indoors? Research finds that spending 20 minutes or more in nature can enhance attention, working memory and even your creativity. Natural and more peaceful environments allow your mind to wander and boost your cognitive performance, helping you to switch out the mental fatigue you may be experiencing.
That being said, the digital technology can also take us past the scrapbook pictures that many of us treasure. Using larger screens can help those who are visually more limited to better enjoy looking at pictures, especially with the assistance of someone setting it up appropriately for them.
“The earth has music for those who listen.” ~William Shakespeare
Think about someone who is homebound or uncomfortable traveling. Technology has created more opportunities to revisit favorite places or new destinations on that bucket list. Are there places you had been interested in visiting but that is now less likely to happen due to current circumstances?
A trip to Antarctica was never on my bucket list, but a photographer friend of mind took a trip and shared the most amazing pictures with me, along with lots of interesting details. I learned a lot and enjoyed the pictures, which satisfied my curiosity. Used at the right level and usually with some assistance, technology does allow us to have more access to seek out perhaps even seasonal nature pictures or photos from an event or a trip that you or someone else enjoyed.
There is mounting evidence that these experiences can enhance concentration, lower stress and create new conversational opportunities. Is there someone you know that might enjoy the benefit of what technology can provide without trying to navigate the process on their own?
There are an abundance of resources on the internet to explore, including seasonal scenery pictures or locations of interest around the world. As you describe things, you may find the older adult has more interest and satisfaction if you meet them at their level of functioning. Start simply with seasonal pictures so you can explore the possibilities that are most successful but also learn what you might need to monitor if the experience if it needs to be modified.
With an older adult who is not tech savvy, this can be an excellent opportunity to enhance the quality of time spent together, by enlarging the picture or often slowing your rate of speech and sometimes simplifying or rewording the information.
To increase the satisfaction of the experience, a few things to consider would be locating what they might enjoy. What is the best screen size? Does the audio accompanying it need to be louder or is it too fast? How much does the person want to watch?
Be aware early in the experience if you are meeting them at the level that works for them or if you need to modify it the next time you try,
Often, if it is a group experience, especially in a senior community, being able sit around afterwards and talk about what they saw and share experiences adds to the benefits of that opportunity.
For those with more severe limitations, even taking them to an area where they can look out a window and see some of the seasonal scenery can provide some stress reduction, richer experiences and even opportunities for more varied conversations.
For example, I just returned from a fabulous trip visiting the Finger Lakes in New York but was disappointed that navigating the trails in Watkins Glen area to see the amazing waterfalls was probably not a safe idea. I found a video of the 14 waterfalls and it really helped to satisfy more than my curiosity. WOW! is a positive emotion to evoke and a site I am likely to revisit as well as share with others. Click HERE to enjoy the virtual tour.
“There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature – the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.” ~Rachel Carson
